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Share your views: What does the Middle East & North Africa region need now?

January 10, 2012

During 2011, the Middle East and North Africa region went under tremendous changes. On January 10, 2012 Inger Andersen, Vice President for the region at the World Bank, hosted a one-hour live discussion in English and Arabic to discuss what the region needs to build positively on these changes.

first of all, all the region people want to live their beliefs.as in the east europe, they want more education,full access to health programs, and also democratical goverment with parliamenter regimes like TURKEY!

John Mushriqui

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Transformation in the Management of the private & governmental sector.

Evin Planto

United States

I am joining to learn more.

Tarek Amr

Egypt, Arab Rep.

We need investments in the form of new venture capitals calling for Egyptian social entrepreneurs to create new startups to educate people (40% illiteracy), other startups in Open Government to monitor the government & help people get engaged in the political reform. Startups in the field of media.

All the above. But First stability in governance (legitimate, democratic, transparent and strong system of governance)and repatriation of dictators' money for reconstruction and development.

Ilham Boularhmane

Morocco

We should prioritize and focus first on the reforms that set the structure, the environment, and the human capital necessary to achieve sustainable growth and jobs creation:
* Education programs combined with knowledge sharing
* Improving governance
* Updating research and information data

Reb Thomas

United States

MENA needs greater knowledge sharing with the rest of the world. The MENA countries committed to the Knowledge Economy in Tunis 3 years ago. Now is the time to fully dedicate the people of the region to making knowledge and innovation their focus. KnowledgeEconomy domains can help with this effort.

Jaouad Berrada

Morocco

Practical achievement such as SME support and financing. Giving a chances to job creation and SMEs are a key element in job creation.

Hala Riad

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Transparency: Publishing by the donor entities of amounts and conditions of loans and aid given. Enforcement by the international community of anti-corruption measures and sanctions against the decision makers not against the country in order to stop the violence and support development

Derbal

Algeria

Very interesting idea

Rima Turk Ariss

Lebanon

Property Rights Protection & Efficient Judicial Enforcement: The legal system is not intended to protect the corrupt elite & legalize the expropriation of private benefits. Only then would a sense of accountability develop among leaders who desperately need to restore a long-lost credibility.

We need an excellent education system, not a copy of those found in the USA and Europe which are evolutions of the factory model. A system that encourages taking initiatives, creativity, individuality and curiosity.

Khaled Hussein

Tunisia

We also need learning how to identify and access opportunities, value what we have, our strategic positions so that we can use that fully for our good.

Khaled Hussein

Tunisia

We also need to, together, learn to trust each other, see the world bank as an assisting force, rather than a bureaucratic force that restricts our choices in exchange of aids and loans.

Khaled Hussein

Tunisia

We want to be set free, to think freely and productively, to have the tools and opportunities to put that thinking into action, and to recognize the world as a friendly place.

Mishkat Al Moumin

Iraq

The Middle East needs access to safe drinking water. 12 of the 15 most water-scarce nations in the world are in this region.
The need is to review water policies to adopt a more participatory approach and recognize women as primary users of water.

Djamshid

France

I would like to get invovled in conversation on democracy and market economy in the region.
Regards

J. Michael Cobb

United States

New public-private entities/ventures for all forms of infrastructure - to generate real work for the massive youth population - who need not only jobs but hope for the future.

Dr. R. Shashi Kumar

India

Strong policies related to inflation, food processing, occupational restructuring social safety nets; issues of aid and debt are to be reexamined. The need of the hour is not ready for take-off but of strengthening of structural adjustment process.

Consciousness , Saving jobs,Quality accreditation for all organiations and institutions in the society,Transparency and cristability,CRC and saving the three Ps. for all the children,finance, I have more and more views but I think I need discussion fce to face.

Shaimaa

Egypt, Arab Rep.

We need social scientists, philosophers, psychologists, historians and geographers to rebuild the Egyptian culture based on the updated concepts of freedom, knowledge, humanities .... etc, and spread these knowledge through the media.

Shaimaa

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Reform the media which is still controlled by old minds that keeps creating the same culture (dictators and worshipers),(people who play god in dark ages of Islam... etc)

Shaimaa

Egypt, Arab Rep.

We need more scholarships and research agency that work in physical and natural science to assist researchers to conduct researches with less eligibility criteria (constrains) especially for women.

Shaimaa

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Create job opportunities for all social classes based on far competition, transparency and fairness

Khalid Siddig

Sudan

Adequate investment friendly policies in the agricultural sector, reliance on the domestic labor force, and transparency in the public expenditure.

Amal Shebaro

Lebanon

What is needed is Good Governance and Stability,and Real Independency, in addition to what was mentioned.

Nancy Fashho

Jordan

Legal enabling environemt for effective participation

Naava Mashiah

Israel

How do we integrate the israeli economy as a catalyst to crwate jobs in MENA region? How do we encourage israeli yputh and neighboring youth in Arab countries to take advantage of the shifting winds and economically cooperatw rathwr than continue isolation.
Thank tou

Rami Al Wahaidy

West Bank and Gaza

Governance; Law and law enforcement; Strategic plans that assure equitable and sustainable growth; Finance for regional megaprojects (energy/water/wastewater/solid waste)

El Diwany, Sherif

Egypt, Arab Rep.

The integratioin of extra legal segments of the economy into the formal ones, is an existential question for Arab world. Mega leaps required in economic growth can be achieved with vast majority of assets are afforded the benefit of law.

HAMID ZADBOOM

Iran, Islamic Rep.

Needs for countries are very different. Because countries in this region are very different( economy, policies, governments, resources, people, security and...). first we must categorize countries, then account needs. It needs to time to explain more. Thanks

Kais Aliriani

Yemen, Rep.

No recipe for all Arab Countries. Let the people of the region think for themselves about their future. Most "common" needs are economic development and education. Without economic development many people cannot afford ed. Ed reform and challenging traditional ed is the way to make a difference.

Azza Karam

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Time to acknowledge the value of cultural capital (including an appreciation of the role(s) of spirituality in people's lives and a nuanced understanding of the nexus of religion - politics- development as part of all social, political and economic policies in, with and around the region.

Hicham FILALI

Morocco

The signs of solidarity; mutuality; care; warm human relationships; good morality and life high principles. With these you can bring anything meterial into hands; and it does not matter if we don't get them because inside is sufficent.

sendi

Tunisia

The region need only employment
help from world bank to create more jobs

RAHEEL

Pakistan

OBVIOUSLY INTEREST FREE FINANCING.

Otabor Isaac

Nigeria

MENA need Financing,Knowledge sharing,Inclusion, Jobs,Equitable and sustainable growth, Governance,Data,a cleaner environment,Empowerment and Education.But most importantly are good governance,inclusion and empowerment.

Bashar Akkad

Syrian Arab Republic

We needs quality education, we need developed nations to stop selling weapons to our region, we need inclusions and exchange of students, experiences and ideas.

Adel Alghaberi

Yemen, Rep.

In my opinion what MENA region needs is that all powers and resources be used to the interest of people. Basic fundamentals to reach this overarching goal are democracy, transparency, accountability and responsibility.

Sumaia Al-kohlani

Yemen, Rep.

I suggest that we either use this coming even as a brain storm to what need to be discussed in the future either by choosing an economic, political, or social problem and discuss how its related to all the MENA countries, or by choosing a country and start discussing how that country can be helped.

Mondher Kalai

Tunisia

The MENA region needs sustainable development which requires FDIs to generate jobs and eradicate poverty, governance, revisiting the present educational system. These reforms cannot take place without a genuine democratic state.

Mondher Kalai

Tunisia

The MENA region needs sustainable development which requires FDIs to generate jobs and eradicate poverty, governance, revisiting the present educational system. These reforms cannot take place without a genuine democratic state.

Ivan Velchev

Bulgaria

I think that the main problem that Arab people will face will be changing their traditional law.The second is the execution of the new laws and democratic principals.We are witnesses of built but unfortunately not working Human Rights protecting system such as African Charter of Human Rights.

NORTH AFRICA NEEDS TO SETTLE THEIR POLITICAL CONFLICTS IN ORDER TO BRING IN TOTAL PEACE, WHICH WILL FURTHER HELP THEM TO PROSPER..... ON THE OTHER HAND THE MIDDLE EAST NOW HAVE TO ASSESS THEIR POLITICAL CONDITION AND AVOID FURTHER CIVIL WARS....

Isaac

United States

Accountability, good governance, proper consequences and proper public financial management will increase MENA prosperity in a sustainable fashion

Raj Raina

United States

Also it may be useful to ask "What does the Middle East & North Africa region NOT need now?" The responses may not match the priorities of the World Bank's largest IDA & Trust Fund donors...

Sayed Jaffer Abass

India

i would like to join it

Spencer

United States

Civil and political rights, freedom from oppression and persecution, justice, due process, gender equality, investment in education and infrastructure, fair elections, stable government with checks and balances on power, free markets, property rights, private ownership

Carlos Andrade García

Ecuador

I believe Mena region needs a strong democratical network in order to support economic and social grow.

Selma

China

most of the ideas are already mentioned; it is important to figure to what extend a state, which doesnt support secularism and even acts against individualism, enhances or prevents advancement

Yasar Jarrar

United Arab Emirates

Community Engagement to fight corruption. Without effective anti-corruption frameworks, the next 10 years will be exactly like that last ten, and the Spring will be long forgotten

Muhammad Abushaqra

Egypt, Arab Rep.

The Arab-Arab developmental policies sharing is absent and the Arab spring showed that the people of this region is facing similar challenges so it is crucial for them to share their strategies and depend more on each others on their future economic regime.

Niveen Wahish

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Jobs, education and finance

Hilary Winchester

Australia

Education that empowers and focuses on creativity and outcomes. Graduates who can generate valuable jobs to develop the economy.

Mark de Vries

Netherlands

Complete restructuring in regards of foreign policy. International presurre created an unnatural instability and is influencing their internal politics and disregards the regions culture and traditions. Sectarian views come up and it drains the intelectual growth

knowledge sharing, equitable and sustainable growth, good Governance, promote transparency, Women Empowerment, high education reform,... all these aspects can only be achievable under democratization and institutional change... how!?

Yakubu Usman A.

Nigeria

They need rethinking on their original values and adjustment on the current realities of life. I believe they also need genuine support from other nations. Instability moves like a web, it spreads beyond the limits of our sights. If allowed to persists it may culminate into a global challenge.

Yogesh Chandra Agrawal

India

MENA needs water and the real experts. Water is important for any person / country. Preservation of catchment areas to allow free and full flow in water streams and rivers is needed to fill village ponds, dams and reservoirs. Water harnessing structures should be economical and technically safe.

Yogesh Chandra Agrawal

India

MENA needs water and the real experts. Water is important for any person / country. Preservation of catchment areas to allow free and full flow in water streams and rivers is needed to fill village ponds, dams and reservoirs. Water harnessing structures should be economical and technically safe.

sameh victor tanios

Egypt, Arab Rep.

i think my country need investment in education , because when you have a good education you can have your opportunity for a good job , because i am working in the industrial field in paper sector its not easy to find qualified worker in egypt

Lassaad BEN AHMED

Tunisia

The Mena region need peace to create jobs and boost economic grooth.
It is also necessary to operate the rules of the fair trade.
Dignity and peace must be universal rights.

Farhad Mirzaei

Iran, Islamic Rep.

I am joining to learn more.

Radwa Helmy Abdel-Raouf

Egypt, Arab Rep.

Good quality education. The power of good education is that effective that it could change the difficult realities. Yet, given that this is a medium term plan, I wish to add that financial and technical support to micro, small and medium size enterprises is also much needed.

Adel

Libya

we demand the world to treat us as partners not as market place. to work with our nobles, not traitors. NGO's are the gateway

Nevres Dabil

Germany

Governance and education would bring peace and development in the region.

Dave Godfrey

United Kingdom

Stability and rule of law to promote private market investment

Hakim al Aghbari

Yemen, Rep.

The people in ME need stability, investment, jobs and accountable governments.

Awni Qaqish

United States

critical element is a free market place under the rule of law.Raising the standard of living by creating a sustaining economy that provides private sector jobs for the young. Respect for human rights should be one of the pillers of the new governance.

Samy Nadifi

United States

A plethora of needs. Areas with highest socioeconomic impact: Open borders for free movement of goods/services/labor accompanied by investment in transportation. Banks assume real financial intermediation role reduce crowding out of enterprise loans by treasuries. Technical and vocational training.

MENA needs:
1)Jobs for a growing university graduates
2) improving the education system to be responsibe to the job market

Ghassan Kasabreh

West Bank and Gaza

Governance
Financing
Equitable and sustainable growth
Jobs

Randa

United States

Job creation, education that provide the skills needed for the ME job market.

Mohsen Magar

Egypt, Arab Rep.

With Illetracy rate above the WW average in MENA, Education is cornerstone-not the traditional way-it should start with deploying Entrepreneurs and private investment in transforming Education into industry, creating jobs,capitalizing on IT knowledge and internet users in MENA.

Adel Sayed

Egypt, Arab Rep.

As political science analysist, and energy professional, the Middle East &North Africa needs now two urgent support : 1)real and quick solution of the Palestanian issue 2) enhanceing the emerging democracy of the Arab Spring

Dalia Khalil

Egypt, Arab Rep.

MENA region needs EDUCATION, whether formal or informal. MENA needs to build a new generation able to be critical, leaders, and use scientific thinking methods to reach its goals and objectives. Through proper quality education many other aspects of development will be reached as a result.

Assadi4000

France

Where can I find a comparative analysis of GNP/capita in the middle east.
Regards

Meriem Ben Abdallah

Tunisia

New education system that has to foster a culture of initiative,creativity and tolerance to difference among citizens.Well-informed , well-educated citizens capable of critical thinking will naturally give birth to a real democracy where all challenges can be overcome.

Roger Zovighiaan

Lebanon

Mena needs equitable and sustainable growth and governance.

carol durante aka deliah davis

Afghanistan

wow

Wolf Poulet

Germany

Cumbersome processes, with different needs in each country. Of vital significance, following WB´s report "Voices of the Poor (2000)",is security, i.e. collect, analyze and support the local perception of required security structure´s, incl. public control (SSR/OECD).

Elisa

Italy

More information

Abdelsalam

Sudan

What is imprtant in governance is to ensure transparency and no minority will be excluded.
Sustainable development require education for sustainable development. Cooperation between MENA is key factor in tackling environmental issues

Omari Williams

United States

A key goal should be to strengthen civil society and build trust among disparate groups with ultimate goal of holding government accountable and reducing corruption.

Vanessa Wilm

Germany

The MENA needs the support of western countries to get into clean energy business for a better development.

Abdellah El.

Morocco

1- Intensive investment in : Education & Health
2- Joining efforts in research in the field of human social science
3- Openned markets for workforces, consumers and capital

Giuliana Catania

Italy

Mena in my opinion needs first of all "knowledge" in all fields. Knowledge must be on western countries, who cannot understand the arab and muslim "forma mentis" but also in the sense of "know-how", freedom and education.

Shady Attia

Belgium

1. We need a legal framework allowing NGO's to participate as partners in the community development (We want to create a bike lane in our community but we can't)
2. We need to stop energy and water subsidies to start the Egyptian sustainable and environmental development

Shady Attia

Egypt, Arab Rep.

1. We need a legal framework allowing NGO's to participate as partners in the community development (We want to create a bike lane in our community but we can't)
2. We need to stop energy and water subsidies to start the Egyptian sustainable and environmental development